The Best Memory Care Facilities in Northern New Jersey, NJ | MemoryCare.com

The Best Memory Care Facilities in Northern New Jersey, NJ

Dementia, and specifically Alzheimer's, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Northern New Jersey’s senior population continues to grow (11.14% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.

In Northern New Jersey, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 43.6% between 2013 and 2017. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 2.7%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (5.18% in Northern New Jersey vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).

In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.

How To Pay for Memory Care in Northern New Jersey, NJ

Note: Memory care is typically provided in communities licensed as assisted living facilities, and in general, costs 20-30% more than standard assisted living services. No authoritative cost data is available for this type of care, so we estimated memory care rates by adding 25% to assisted living fees in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey.

Memory care in Northern New Jersey costs an average of $10,181 per month, reflecting the advanced security and nursing care such facilities provide.  

Memory Care in Northern New Jersey vs Nearby Cities

Northern New Jersey's proximity to NYC and the New England states influences the local cost of memory care, which at $10,181 per month is more than $4,500 higher than the national average and almost $3,000 more than the state average. Atlantic City in southern New Jersey has an average cost of $7,259, while Philadelphia and New York City offer memory care for approximately $7,100, $3,000 less per month than Northern New Jersey.

Memory Care vs Other Types of Care in Northern New Jersey, NJ

The $10,181 per month cost for memory care in Northern New Jersey is almost twice the cost for in-home care or home health care, at $5,148 and $5,243, respectively, and almost $2,000 more than assisted living at $8,145. At $11,650 for a semiprivate room per month, nursing home care in northern New Jersey is only about $1,500 more per month than memory care.

  • Memory Care: $10,181
  • In-Home Care: $5,148
  • Home Health Care: $5,243
  • Adult Day Health Care: $1,866
  • Assisted Living: $8,145
  • Nursing Home (Semiprivate room): $11,650

Note: Data for Northern New Jersey was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Trenton, was used instead

Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Northern New Jersey, NJ

Financial assistance in New Jersey

Other Ways To Pay for Memory Care in Northern New Jersey, NJ

Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in Northern New Jersey.

Free and Low-Cost Memory Care Resources for Seniors in Northern New Jersey, NJ

For seniors living in Northern New Jersey, finding information on educational programming and assistance within the memory care community can be difficult. The table below provides information on government and nonprofit agencies that provide free or low-cost memory care services for the senior residents of northern New Jersey impacted by Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

resourcecontactdescriptionlocation
Alzheimer's New Jersey888-280-6055The New Jersey Alzheimer's Association offers seniors and their families a one-stop resource for living with a dementia diagnosis. The organization offers programs and services that include a 24-hour helpline, support groups, consultation services and a wellness program. It also holds regular events to encourage people to gather and support one another.Roseland, NJ
St. Francis Medical Center609-599-5792The Neuroscience Institute of St. Francis Medical Center specializes in treating patients who have some form of neuromuscular or neurological problems, including those who have Alzheimer's disease. The institute provides educational programs, laboratory studies/specialized treatments and assistance with managing memory loss.Trenton, NJ
New Jersey S-COPE Outreach855-718-2699Statewide Clinical Outreach Program for the Elderly (S-COPE) is a clinical consultation team for seniors aged 55 and up who live in nursing communities. The program provides on-site mentoring and education for those who work in long-term care facilities so that seniors with behavioral challenges receive the health support system they need.Cranford, NJ

Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Northern New Jersey

Rules and regulations in New Jersey

How Memory Care Facilities Can Help

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time-consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.

As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.

In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.

Overview of what memory care facilities provide

Our Selection Process

To choose the best memory care facilities in Northern New Jersey, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.

Overall, our team:

  • Spent over 31 hours researching memory care facilities in Northern New Jersey
  • Read more than 112 reviews written by residents and their loved ones
  • Interviewed 9 representatives from local communities
Overview of our methodology

Reviews of the 14 Best Memory Care Facilities in Northern New Jersey

Best memory care in Northern New Jersey, NJ

Atria Cranford

  • Resident Capacity:219
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites, Shared Rooms
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite
  • Base Pricing:Assisted Living starts at $5,950/month; memory care starts at $8,500/month

Atria Cranford offers residents studio and one-bedroom apartments, each complete with a walk-in shower and kitchen. This community features a cognitive learning center, concierge service and wellness center that provides check-ups and monitoring to seniors. Residents who enjoy being outside can take advantage of the outdoor grill and dining area, as well as the courtyard and gardens. This pet-friendly facility has implemented an emergency alert pendant or wristband system to notify staff when help is needed. Atria Cranford also employs a talented culinary staff to provide meals for seniors with a variety of preferences. For seniors in need of memory care, this facility approaches Alzheimer's and other dementias with the Life Guidance program.

What Residents Are Saying

Visitors and friends alike comment on the cozy atmosphere. One particularly pleased reviewer highlights, "Atria Cranford and especially its Life Guidance section are first class! The facility is very homey and classy, the staff is very dedicated and extremely skilled and knowledgeable. Our 97-year-old mother was there We always felt assured that she was in good hands I would highly recommend this facility for Alzheimer's/dementia care residents."

Brighton Gardens of Florham Park

  • Resident Capacity:30
  • Room Types:1-Bedroom Apartments
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Hospice, Respite
  • Base Pricing:$4,500 for private studio, all-inclusive, care costs range from $500 to $3,000

Located near Papermill Playhouse, Short Hills Mall and Morristown Museum, Brighton Gardens of Florham Park offers New Jersey seniors the opportunity to remain connected with their community while living in either the assisted living or memory care units. This facility focuses on maintaining residents' well-being by providing three daily meals made from fresh, local ingredients. Chefs regularly converse with residents to identify which dishes they would like added to the restaurant-style dining experience. In addition to hearty food, Brighton Gardens of Florham Park features an hour-by-hour, elaborate calendar of activities, which includes meditation, brain exercises and a baking club. This facility strives to keep family members informed by offering social and educational programs for loved ones. Basic housekeeping, personal laundry and trash removal are also performed by the 24-hour staff.

What Residents Are Saying

Many loved ones of residents at Brighton Gardens of Florham Park comment on the excellent care provided by the staff. One reviewer observed, The nursing staff is wonderful, always there to help and answer any questions You can not only be proud of the administrators and staff at Brighton Gardens, you can hold them as models to emulate. They are really that good!�

Five Star Premier Residences of Yonkers

  • Resident Capacity:314
  • Room Types:1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite
  • Base Pricing:Independent living starts at $3,400/month, assisted living starts at $5,500/month, memory care starts at $8,000/month

Located just 15 minutes away from New York City with easy access to many cultural sites, Five Star Premier Residences of Yonkers is a retirement living community with memory care as well as assisted and independent living. Residents of this facility can enjoy services such as housekeeping, high-speed internet and transportation. Floor plans for the various living options include one- and two-bedroom apartments and apartments with dens. This community redefines the dining experience for seniors by employing a celebrity chef and incorporating the MyChoice Dining program. MyChoice allows seniors to choose where and when they eat with a preloaded card with Dining Dollars. In addition to the unique mealtime approach, seniors can enjoy in-house religious services and doctors' visits. For New York seniors with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, this facility offers the Bridge-to-Recovery program, a Montessori-based approach to memory care that caters to the needs of every resident.

What Residents Are Saying

Residents of Five Star Premier Residences of Yonkers love the "hotel" style atmosphere and "thoughtful, energetic and young" staff. One reviewer notes, "Dining rooms were beautiful, [the] setting was beautiful, rooms were perfect, social activities were ideal. Staff was super lovely. #1 on my list."

Harbour View Senior Living

  • Resident Capacity:185
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite, Skilled Nursing
  • Base Pricing:Pricing starts at $3,000 a month

Harbour View Senior Living is located in the New Durham section of North Bergen, minutes away from the Hudson River and New York. This facility places a strong emphasis on getting to know its residents and their families before they move in and continues to hold regular meetings to assess changing needs after a senior joins the community. Its Reminiscence program focuses on the needs of memory care residents and offers them the chance to connect daily with the things that comfort them most. Staff members are trained in the Validation method of assisting those with memory loss and provide 24-hour memory assistance. Meals are served restaurant-style with a salad bar, and amenities include an exercise room, nature trail and outdoor gazebo.

What Residents Are Saying

Residents and loved ones appreciate the activity schedule provided, with one loved one saying, "I love to visit my grandma during the activity hours, she seems to be having fun with the other residents there." Loved ones are also pleased with the advice staff members offer to help them better assist residents, and one stated, "I could not ask for better service."

  • Reviews:4.72 out of 5 stars, 30 reviews
  • Phone:(201) 867-3585
  • Address:3505 Bergen Turnpike, North Bergen, NJ 07047
  • Web:harbourviewsl.com

Lester Senior Living

  • Resident Capacity:180
  • Room Types:Independent living 1-Bedroom and 2-Bedroom; Assisted living studio, 1-Bedroom, and combo units
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:Independent Living: $1,536 (COAH) - $3,619 for 2-Bedroom

Lester Senior Living is a Jewish-sponsored senior living community based in Morris County -- Whippany, New Jersey. It welcomes residents of all backgrounds and faiths, with its main focus offering a living community that incorporates traditional Jewish values. To that end, it offers a kosher menu in the dining rooms and weekly Torah studies and Lifelong Learning classes, as examples of its many activities, along with many other cultural events, arts, physical fitness programs, and university level seminars. The Memory Care suite provides the best possible care for those with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Accredited by Comfort Matters and using a palliative care philosophy, Lester's dementia care education puts the latest science and research-based practices in the hands of caregivers so they can make positive differences in residents' lives. Memory Care participants experience person-directed care, focused on meeting the needs of each individual by anticipating their needs and keeping them comfortable.

What Residents Are Saying

Residents and loved ones appreciate the property's active atmosphere and vibrant setting, saying it offers "tremendous activities, including individualized arts and crafts, painting and sculpture, which was what my husband liked." Residents are also impressed with the condition of the facility, calling it "very clean" and "a very attractive place."

Sunrise at Sheepshead Bay

  • Resident Capacity:40
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Hospice
  • Base Pricing:$7,000-$9,000 all-inclusive depending on room size and care needs

Sunrise at Sheepshead Bay makes every effort to ensure seniors are comfortable and receive customized care. The facility is home to a community pet rescued from a local shelter and cared for by the residents and staff, and seniors are welcome to bring their own beloved pet to live in the community as well. The facility also goes the extra mile to allow residents to personalize their space. After a floor plan is chosen, a new occupant has the option of working with the in-house design team to make their suite their own. A variety of activities are available to keep everyone engaged, including yoga classes, social meals, music events and games. The on-site culinary team develops and prepares daily meal options, and seniors have access to fresh fruit and snacks throughout the day.

What Residents Are Saying

Most comments from residents and family members mention the incredible staff, highlighting their kindness and welcoming nature. Many also remark on the cleanliness of the facility. "The staff was great and very helpful," said one relative. "The community was kept clean and in good condition. My loved one was happy there."

Sunrise of Mill Basin

  • Resident Capacity:115
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Hospice
  • Base Pricing:$5,400 private studio, all-inclusive, companion suites are $3,800, care costs start at an additional $2,100 a month

With scenic views of Jamaica Bay and just steps away from all the action in Brooklyn, NY, Sunrise at Mill Basin is a senior living community offering a full suite of care options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and coordination of hospice care. Residents can receive assistance with activities of daily living and up to three meals a day from a diverse menu of delectable entrees. Activities such as brain teasers and crossword puzzles are great for keeping the mind sharp, while the walking club and chair yoga help keep the body in shape. Although Sunrise at Mill Basin is near several churches, spiritual residents appreciate having on-site communion every Sunday. Residents don't have to worry about housekeeping, laundry or trash removal, which frees up more time for group outings to local restaurants, shops and museums.

What Residents Are Saying

The food has been very good, actually, and has been one of the better parts so far because they have a good selection every day that my mom likes, stated one resident's child. In addition to the quality dining program, many residents enjoy the spaciousness of the rooms.

Sunrise of Morris Plains

  • Resident Capacity:32
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Hospice, Respite
  • Base Pricing:$5,400 private studio, all-inclusive, companion suites are $3,800, care costs start at an additional $2,100 a month

Conveniently located within walking distance to shops and restaurants, residents at Sunrise of Morris Plains relish the enrichment of participating in community-wide activities while enjoying the safety and sense of belonging of having their own dedicated neighborhood. Residents receive housekeeping and laundry service as well as three well-balanced meals a day with a variety of menu choices. Dressing, bathing and grooming are a few of the activities of daily living with which residents can receive assistance. A licensed nurse performs monthly wellness checks and residents always have access to the highly trained 24-hour staff. With a myriad of daily activities, such as chair yoga, guided meditation and trivia, residents can socialize with their neighbors while keeping their minds and bodies stimulated.

What Residents Are Saying

The food quality and cleanliness of the facility is commonly mentioned in online reviews. One reviewer said, "My father, 92, went for a respite stay of about a month, March 2015 after rehab. Very clean facility, sociable, caring staff, meals were considered excellent."

Sunrise of Paramus

  • Resident Capacity:30
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites, Private Rooms
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Hospice, Respite
  • Base Pricing:$9,500, all-inclusive including medication management, care costs can cost more. Assisted living starts at $7,000 and includes medication management and personal care services

Sunrise of Paramus provides assisted living and memory care with beds for up to 98 residents in private rooms and companion suites. Memory care residents live in the Reminiscence neighborhood, which is designed and staffed with the specific requirements of Alzheimer's and dementia in mind. Within this neighborhood, there is a focus on social interaction and creating a familiar space that's easy to navigate and close to dining and other services. Specially trained staff encourage residents to participate in memory-focused activities tailored to the hobbies, likes and personalities of each individual. Staff members trained in memory care techniques and caring for individuals with Alzheimer's are available 24 hours per day.

What Residents Are Saying

The child of one resident comments on the staff, saying, "They were very helpful in making her and us, her family, feel comfortable. Any questions we had, they had answers." Other visitors and family members describe Sunrise of Paramus as "upscale" and having a "mansion setting" while still feeling like home.

The Brielle at Seaview

  • Resident Capacity:188
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:$8,395 for Memory Care, $5,195 for Assisted Living

The Brielle at Seaview is located in a beautiful leafy suburb of Staten Island. Surrounded by scenic parks, the community is great for nature lovers while still being close to local amenities. There are also some great on-site amenities for residents to enjoy, such as a beauty salon, walking trails and a fully-equipped gym. The wellness team takes a holistic approach to health, which aims to enrich the body, mind and spirit. Activities include self-expression through drawing and playing music, as well as creating bonds through pet therapy. Residents can enjoy three homemade meals a day with new friends and loved ones. All levels of staff, from housekeeping to wellness, enjoy assisting and engaging with residents to create a sense of community.

What Residents Are Saying

Visitors praise the caring staff, with one reviewer saying, Every single department at this facility is beyond supportive, kind, sensitive, and empathic towards my dad and all our family members. My biggest worry was safety in light of COVID, and I can confidently say guidelines are followed to the letter of the law.�

  • Reviews:3.65 out of 5 stars; 38 reviews
  • Phone:(929) 256-3005
  • Address:140 Friendship Ln., Staten Island, NY 10314
  • Web:www.thebrielle.com

The Chelsea at Montville

  • Resident Capacity:N/A
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
  • Base Pricing:Assisted Living starts at $4,470 per month. Memory Care starts at $8,400 per month (30 day monthly rate)

The Chelsea at Montville provides caring and dignified support for New Jersey seniors who need help with some of the activities of daily living as well as those experiencing memory loss. Memory-impaired seniors live in the Country Cottage, a secured, comfortable neighborhood environment staffed round-the-clock by highly trained professional caregivers, with an overnight nurse on call. The Cottage has a private dining room and activity areas where residents engage in personalized programs that help preserve skills and promote as much independence as possible. A specially trained therapeutic recreation staff oversees stimulating social opportunities and recreational activities tailored to each residents preferences and needs. Residents live in private or shared apartments thoughtfully decorated with photos and personal items to create a comforting, familiar setting. Long-term and short-term respite stays are also available.

What Residents Are Saying

The immaculately clean, bright facility and delicious meals are reassuring to family members with loved ones here. A woman whose mother-in-law is a resident at Chelsea wrote, The facility is very good. I'd describe it as very homey inside. It's a small community-type of building with a very homelike appearance and not institutional at all. The staff was very nice, very informative and very helpful.�

  • Reviews:3.5 out of 5 stars; 24 reviews
  • Phone:(973) 402-1100
  • Address:165 Changebridge Rd., Montville, NJ 07045
  • Web:N/A

The Country Home

  • Resident Capacity:38
  • Room Types:Companion Suites, Private Rooms
  • Care Provided: Memory Care, Respite
  • Base Pricing:Memory care begins at $4,900 per month for a private room or a companion suite.

The Country Home for Seniors is nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood in Morris Plains. This intimate memory care facility provides services for 38 residents in a homelike setting where theyre treated like family. The community cares for seniors in all stages of various types of dementia, making it easy for residents to remain comfortably in place as the disease progresses. Private bedrooms and companion suites are simply furnished and feature alarmed windows for added security. Doors and gates are access coded, and the lovely outdoor courtyard offers mature landscaping and benches beneath shady trees. A certified activities professional creates and monitors a program specially designed for those with memory impairment. It balances quiet times with individual, small and large group activities for therapeutic social, mental and physical engagement. Residents are encouraged to pursue favorite hobbies while being safely supervised.

What Residents Are Saying

Relatives value this privately owned, clean and very well-maintained facility,� but the dedicated caregivers garner the most praise. I have had my loved one here for over three years. The staff has been kind, attentive and genuinely cares about the residents. They really make the residents feel like its their home,� said one family member.

  • Reviews:4 out of 5 stars; 32 reviews
  • Phone:(973) 538-2117
  • Address:1095 Tabor Rd., Morris Plains, NJ 07950
  • Web:chmemorycare.com

The Waterford on the Bay

  • Resident Capacity:N/A
  • Room Types:Studios, Companion Suites, Private Rooms, Shared Rooms
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite, Skilled Nursing
  • Base Pricing:$3,250 for assisted living, $5,732 for memory care

Set along the shores of Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn, New York, The Waterford on the Bay Senior Living offers first-class care in a luxurious environment. Each of its waterfront suites offers picturesque views of the bay, and a concierge is available to assist residents around the clock. A full staff of trained professionals provides assistance with activities of daily living, as well as specialized services including on-site physical, speech, occupational and massage therapies, recreational programs and medication management. Residents can enjoy three gourmet meals prepared by professional chefs in the Rivieria dining room, all of which are certified kosher. The facility seeks to promote independence and recognize each resident as a unique individual. A full schedule of diverse activities is offered, including wine and cheese nights, live music, jewelry making workshops, bingo and poker, as well as exercise classes and organized day trips.

What Residents Are Saying

People consistently praise The Waterford on the Bay's well-appointed location, caring staff and secure environment. One reviewer who has multiple relatives living at the facility shares, "Sitting right on the water, the location is desirable, and the amenities are more than adequate. We sleep well knowing our loved ones are in such a comfortable and safe place."

  • Reviews:4.2 out of 5 stars; 141 reviews
  • Phone:(718) 891-8400
  • Address:2900 Bragg St., Brooklyn, NY 11235
  • Web:thewaterfordonthebay.com

Van Dyk Park Place

  • Resident Capacity:N/A
  • Room Types:Studios, Private Rooms
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:Starting at $5,000 plus care

Van Dyke Park Place provides New Jersey seniors with assisted living and memory care in Hawthorne, complete with custom dietary plans, spiritual activities and physical therapy. Assisted living residents can choose from four different studio apartment floor plans, and memory care tenants enjoy private rooms in shared suites. Residents of Van Dyke Park Place get pampered without leaving the facility at the on-site beauty salon. For seniors with a green thumb, this facility offers vegetable gardens near outdoor patios equipped with barbecues. Seniors who prefer the indoors can spend time in the library or billiard room. Families can rest assured residents have access to 24-hour staff and a registered nurse. Seniors with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia participate in specially curated memory activities called the Lighthouse Program.

What Residents Are Saying

One reviewer notes how much her aunt loved living at Van Dyke Park Place. She comments that her aunt spent time "participating in all of the various activities," and especially loved "the interaction with the other residents and the staff the food and all the outings she was taken on."

  • Reviews:4.51 out of 5 stars; 30 reviews
  • Phone:(973) 310-9600
  • Address:644 Goffle Rd., Hawthorne, NJ 07506
  • Web:vandykhealthcare.com

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